Training on vacation: 5 tips

The summer vacation has officially begun! That means many of you are going on trips: a nice way to relax so you can return to the mat refreshed.

But you don't have to lie on the beach all day: one of the best things to do when you're traveling is to train at a local gym. That's how you really get to know a place. Not as a tourist, but as part of the local jiu jitsu scene. Our own Tyrone is perhaps the best example: he has already trained this year in Miami, Copenhagen, and Prague.

Here are 5 tips to make your training abroad a success:

1. Do your research

Check online to see if there are BJJ/Grappling gyms nearby. BJJ is growing worldwide, but in some countries, the sport is not yet widespread. In popular vacation countries like Portugal, Spain, Italy, and the Balkans, there are fortunately more than enough gyms to be found.

2. Ask the coaches

Are you unsure where to train best? Our coaches have been traveling and training all over the world for years, so there's a good chance we can recommend a gym to you.

3. Send a message

Always send a message to the team before you go. Not every team has such a great front desk team as we do, and there’s a chance they might not do anything with it, but it’s still a useful step. This prevents you from standing in front of a closed door or showing up to class in the wrong outfit.

4. Act like a guest

When visiting another gym, it’s important to do so respectfully. Follow the house rules and try not to prove that you are the best. Set submissions gently, tap out in time, and adjust to your training partner.

5. Stick around

If you just stay in the hotel or follow tips from fellow vacationers, you often miss the best spots. Stick around after training and ask your training partners where the best places are to eat, party, or go on an adventure. This way, you discover the real hidden gems of a city.